Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

A redesigned Sentra is now expected in summer 2006 as a slightly early '07 debut. It's apparently been developed with French parent Renault, but Nissan stresses that underskin components will be its own work--and that Sentra will still be sourced from Japan, not France. Due sometime later is a hybrid version with a Nissan 4-cyl gasoline engine and Toyota-sourced electric-drive components. Nissan is one of several automakers that license Toyota's hybrid powertrain technology.

The next Sentra should be taller, longer and wider than the current model. That makes room for a smaller sedan and 2-dr hatchback that Nissan also confirms for '07. Sources say the hatchback will bow about the same time as the new Sentra, with the sedan following some six months later. Both will be built at Nissan's plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico. No word yet on design and engineering, but the hatchback is said to be inspired by the Sport Concept model seen at various auto shows in early '05. Sources say this new plan rules out a rumored U.S. version of the redesigned Japanese-market Cube miniwagon, which was expected to answer Toyota's boxy Scion xB. Even so, the new "sub-Sentras" will target the Scions, the Mini Cooper and Honda's upcoming Fit/Jazz as trendy, budget-priced wheels for young buyers. More news as we get it, so keep checking back.